Don’t flush those drugs

Next time you’re considering flushing your unused pain medication down the toilet, take a moment to consider the potential environmental impact. Water-treatment facilities are not designed to remove chemicals from pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and sunscreens, so whatever you’re putting down the drain might go directly into our waterways. Here are several resources for proper pharmaceutical disposal in Chico:

• The Butte Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility (1101 Marauder St.) Call toll-free for more info: (866) 429-2288.

• Pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS and Rite-Aid usually have a medication mail-back service.

• The next Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in Chico, sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Admisnistration and local law-enforcement, will take place in spring 2012.

For more information, contact the city of Chico Industrial Pretreatment Program at 894-4304.